Ios to Santorini Ferry
Ios to Santorini -- At a Glance
- Season: Seasonal service (February to October).
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to multiple daily departures (6 per day) in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Operators: Seajets, Zante Ferries, Boatmen Union of Santorini.
- Tickets from: €7 – €32 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
- Santorini tours: Best Santorini tours on Viator
Book Ios to Santorini ferries in 2026 with up to 6 daily departures year-round. Journey from 1h 15m. Operators include Seajets, Zante Ferries, Boatmen…
The crossing from Ios to Santorini is one of those short island hops that feels effortless — a quick stretch of Aegean sea between two of Greece’s most visited islands. Whether you’re moving on from Ios after a few days enjoying its famous beach scene, or fitting in a day trip before the sun goes down over Santorini’s caldera, this route keeps things simple.
Throughout the year there are 4 ferries per day on average. In summer (June–August), this increases to 6 per day, while winter sees around 2 per day.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Ios to Santorini:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.5 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 1.5 (1–2) |
| April | Yes | 1.7 (1–3) |
| May | Yes | 3.2 (1–7) |
| June | Yes | 6.4 (5–8) |
| July | Yes | 6.5 (6–7) |
| August | Yes | 6.4 (6–7) |
| September | Yes | 5.8 (4–7) |
| October | Yes | 3.2 (2–6) |
| November | No | – |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Three operators cover the Ios–Santorini route, giving you a reasonable choice of departure times and crossing durations throughout the season:
- Seajets
- Zante Ferries – approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Boatmen Union of Santorini – approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Tips for the Ios–Santorini Ferry
- If you’re travelling with luggage worth protecting, a proper padlock is a more reliable choice than the combination or cable locks sold at airports, which offer little more than a deterrent to opportunistic interference.
- The short crossing makes this route ideal for a day trip: head over on an early sailing, spend the day exploring, and catch a late afternoon or evening ferry back to Ios.
- In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia’s castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Exploring Santorini?
Once you arrive, there is plenty to see and do. Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini – from volcano boat tours and wine tasting to hidden beaches and nearby islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Ios to Santorini?
Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to multiple daily departures (6 per day) in summer. Service runs year-round.
How long is the ferry from Ios to Santorini?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, while the slowest takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Ios to Santorini ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €7 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €32 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Ios–Santorini route?
The route is served by Seajets, Zante Ferries, Boatmen Union of Santorini.